1. English, originally a spelling variant of Marion in medieval times but more recently revived as a combination of Mary and Ann.

See Marion for more detailed notes, in particular the equivalence to Sarah.

There is a connection with the male name Marian which is more distantly derived from the Roman name Marius.

2. Marian is also one of a large number of Dutch and Flemish variants of Maria [q.v.], derived from the Hebrew name Miriam/Mariamne.